I wish to point out that the Valley News drastically misjudged the relative importance of issues in the March 28 paper.
The front page includes several important local matters, and features two articles about Washington politics in the era of Trump. But it buries in “Briefs” at the bottom of Page A5 the news of Trump’s latest round of executive orders, which take direct aim at the nation’s attempts to rein in pollution and climate change.
This president admits to no understanding of the science behind global warming — or indeed, of factual, scientific evidence of any kind at all. So it is up to all of us to be vigilant and well-informed as Trump wreaks havoc on, well, the world.
I plead with the Valley News to give the future of the planet at least equal front-page coverage with stories about who met whom in Washington, and the financial effects of the Bathroom Bill on North Carolina.
Peter Beardsley
West Lebanon
I was shocked to see the Sunday Valley News carrying an article on the tradition of trapping — and even more upset to learn that children are being encouraged to take part in this inhumane business (“Carrying on a Vermont Trapping Tradition,” March 26). Here are a few details on why this tradition should be banned in any civilized society.
The very first article in the Vermont cruelty to animals statutes states that animal “means all living, sentient creatures, not humans.”
However, further down in these statutes it appears that when a wild animal comes under the auspices of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept., this statute does not apply. How is it that animals — now under the so-called “protection” of this department — suddenly become no longer able to feel great pain and fear and can be subjected to the torture of trapping? I would certainly say that the following practices would come under the heading of torture: leaving an animal imprisoned in a trap (sometimes for days) in fear and agony and desperately struggling to free itself, vulnerable to cold, heat, thirst and predators, finally to be killed by drowning, bludgeoning, stomping, strangling or suffocation.
Added to the above, the department now wishes to extend the otter trapping season, which would mean that otters could be killed during their birthing season of late March to May, leaving young pups to die of starvation. There is to be a board meeting to discuss this on Monday at Lyndon State College, Burke Mountain Room, Lyndon, Vt. Please attend to voice your opposition to this proposal.
Lastly, I would like to say that I am a woman in her late ’70s who has spent a lifetime working for the benefit of the lives of animals — both domesticated and wild — and I never cease to be amazed at the indifference shown by some human beings to the infliction of pain on innocent creatures.
Please call, write or email the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. to express your disapproval of this vile practice.
Rosalind Finn
South Strafford
It seemed weird to me that President Trump insisted that the health care vote be cast on Friday in spite of its lack of support — after all, the repeal was a major aspect of his campaign. Being proud of his credentials as a deal-maker, there was no way he could abandon this baby.
Let’s consider what could sway him from his appointed task. Did alt-president Steve Bannon advise that the GOP’s attention should be focused elsewhere? Like at Gorsuch? True, the nominee is the darling of the Federalist Society, Bannon and the Mercers, billionaire backers of Trump. With Trump busy accusing the last legitimate president of wiretaps, and trying to deflect accusations about his campaign staff and administration having Russia conflicts … how is the Breitbart Gang going to whittle down the government if they have no ace in the hole?
On March 27, the Valley News printed the story “Might Trump Lurch Left?” on the front page. It said a centrist turn might be made to cut deals with Democrats. Do you remember that old ’70s song by the O’Jays: “They smile in your face, all the time they want to take your place — the back stabbers”? They are out there, so let’s stay alert and watch our collective backs.
Kevin McEvoy Leveret
White River Junction
All Vietnam era veterans and their families are invited to attend a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Alvirne High School gym on Derry Road in Hudson, N.H.
The event is sponsored by the New Hampshire National Guard and will be hosted by Gov. Chris Sununu. New Hampshire Adjutant Gen. William Reddel and members of the state congressional delegation.
Previous welcome home ceremonies have been held at different locations throughout the state to ensure that as many Vietnam era veterans as possible have a chance to be properly thanked for their service, unlike the greetings of boos, insults and name-calling many endured when returning home.
The governor is proclaiming today “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.”
John O’Brien
Orford
These past three months have been a whirlwind, but all of the support I have gotten from the community has really helped me through this difficult time. So many people gave such generous donations, and have taken time out of their lives to come see me.
People gave me things that got them through hard times, and made me beautiful things, which is so incredibly kind. Different teams took Barber Strong photos to show their support for me. The entire Dartmouth men’s hockey team even came to see me. This community is filled with such amazing people, and I am blessed to be a part of it. So thank you to everyone who has been there for me, cheering me on.
Julie Barber
Cornish
Republicans voted more than 50 times to repeal Obamacare, despite having nothing to put in its place. Now that they have the power to actually do what they said was so urgently necessary, they don’t. They know, and certainly have known all the time, that if they succeeded in doing what they pretended to want, the result would be disastrous. Every one of those 50-plus votes was an expression of malice (with a touch of racism) — a threat by a bully protected by his buddies which he lacks the courage to carry out when faced with the consequences.
Andrew Stewart
Norwich
This goes out to the Upper Valley folks who are not theatergoers, folks who don’t know where Northern State is located. I fall into both of those categories. In fact, I thought Northern Stage was still located above the old J.J. Newberry’s store. However, I implore others like me to get out of their comfort zones and find Northern Stage .
Not only was attending the theater out of my comfort zone, but I am not one to stand for an ovation. However, at the end of 70 minutes, I lept from my seat, stood and clapped with appreciation and admiration. You’ll see why. Reconnoiter Northern Stage in White River Junction so you know where to park. Then get ready for the best 70-minute performance you’ve ever seen. I promise.
Kate Van Arman
Norwich